NOAA established the Ocean Exploration Advisory Board (OEAB) under the Federal Advisory Committee Act and legislation that gives NOAA statutory authority to operate an ocean exploration program and to coordinate a national program of ocean exploration. The OEAB advises NOAA leadership on:

strategic planning

exploration priorities

competitive ocean exploration grant programs; and,

other matters as requested

The OEAB members represent government agencies involved in ocean exploration, the private sector, academic institutions, and not-for-profit institutions involved in all facets of ocean exploration—from advanced technology to citizen exploration.

In addition to advising NOAA leadership, NOAA expects the OEAB to play a leadership role in helping to define and develop a national program of ocean exploration—a network of stakeholders and partnerships advancing national priorities for ocean exploration.